[Modern nephrology--new methods, new treatments and still numerous difficult challenges]

In the current decade, 2001 to 2010, the number of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy worldwide will increase from 1.5 to 2.5 mln. This requires considerable financial input, thus limiting treatment access in 90% to the inhabitants of North America, Europe and Japan, that constitutes less than 20% of the world's population. It is presumed that about 1 mln people die every year, a death rate which could be avoidable, were the proper funds for renal replacement therapy obtained. Over the last five years, Poland has joined the elite group of countries fully covering the needs in this respect. Modern nephrology gradually focuses on reducing the incidence of end-stage renal disease, through more effective treatment of diabetes, glomerulonephritis and polycystic kidney disease. Reducing morbidity and mortality rates in dialysis treatment and post-kidney transplant follow-up is another key issue. This overview discusses the modern options and perspectives to face those challenges.